Position Statements
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and SarafemTM (fluoxetine HCI), June 2001
Whereas the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research has since 1977 been the pre-eminent organization that focuses on scientific research on the menstrual cycle;
Whereas there is no empirical evidence that there is premenstrual illness that is separate or different from other forms of depression or anxiety or responses to stressful life circumstances;
Whereas there is good empirical evidence the Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder does not exist;
Whereas the widespread use of Sarafem and related drugs results in both the masking of real causes of women’s suffering and the production of negative drug effects;
Therefore, be it resolved the the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research calls upon the Food and Drug Administration
a) to reconsider its approval of Sarafem for the treatment of “Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder” and
b) to enjoin Eli Lilly from airing or publishing advertisements for Sarafem to lay and professional audiences until such reconsideration is completed.
Approved by vote of the membership at the business meeting held on June 8, 2001 during the 14th Conference of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research in Avon, Connecticut
